Gardaí are continuing their investigation into the raid on the home of a well known businessman and his family on the outskirts of Portlaoise in the early hours of Tuesday, July 20 last. Gardaí confirmed that the raid occurred at around 3.45am on the morning in question.

Three masked men forced their way into the house in the Meelick area. One gang member was armed with a shotgun, while two others brandished screwdrivers.

The family were woken in their beds by the gang who confronted them and demanded cash or valuables to be handed over.

Gardaí confirmed that the gang did not physically harm any family members, and made their getaway soon after a sum of money was handed over.

While the family are anxious to leave the issue in the hands of the Gardaí, one of those caught up in the attack confirmed to the Leinster Express that they had been badly shaken by the frightening incident.

Garda Superintendent Philip Lyons confirmed that gardaí are investigating the “serious” aggravated burglary involving three masked raiders.

Supt. Lyons declined to identify the victims, but said that the family ran an established business in Portlaoise. There were five family members in the house at the time.

He said the raid lasted no longer than ten minutes, but the family were left "traumatised" by what happened.

Gardaí sealed off the house in the hours after the burglary. Door to door inquires were carried out and CCTV footage has been reviewed.

Unfortunately, it was dark when the incident took place which has made it difficult to identify the getaway car, which sped off in the direction of Timahoe. Gardaí do not believe the suspects were locals.

Supt. Lyons said the investigation had not ruled out the possibility that the gang had specifically targeted the family because of the business link. "It is part of our investigation that they may have been targeting the businessman," he said.

Supt Lyons appealed to anybody who may have seen anything to contact Portlaoise Gardaí.